June 14, 2024
Manhattan campus construction updates
Submitted by Division of Facilities
Summer is a busy time for construction across the Manhattan campus. Below is an update on several high-level projects. Some projects are ending this summer and are part of the university's deferred maintenance initiative, which refers to the backlog of past-due maintenance and renewal needs for building systems and components.
The following projects have been or will be completed this year.
Edwards Hall demolition: Originally built in 1967 as a residence hall, Edwards Hall was repurposed to accommodate various administrative units, including Human Resources, Environmental Health and Safety and campus police. The building was given an "F" rating on the facilities condition index and had an estimated deferred maintenance backlog of $9.4 million. As part of the 2024 capital improvement project plan, the decision was made to demolish the building, which is projected to result in operational savings of approximately $200,000 annually. The demolition project was completed May 29.
Bluemont Hall renovation: A total of 12,500 square feet, approximately half of the first floor, was renovated to meet the needs of the College of Education. The renovated space is functional and visually appealing, benefiting student recruitment. Since the renovation project began, the College of Education has experienced an increase in enrollment, which is expected to continue. The new office suites are located next to an open lobby space and a central reception area, providing convenient access for students and visitors.
Four classrooms were removed from the first floor, and Room 341 in Bluemont was remodeled to add another classroom. NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising will occupy the vacated basement. The project also includes adding a fire sprinkler system throughout the first floor and replacing all interior doors. The renovation will be complete by fall.
Waters Hall first-floor remodel: This project replaces outdated heating and cooling systems. K-State has been awarded $475,000 in deferred maintenance funds for the project, estimated to cost $950,000. The project also includes repairing windows, adding new LED lighting and replacing the ceiling. The main conference room has been opened for better exposure, and the technology in the room has been updated. The remodeling will be complete by fall 2024.
Gymnasium and natatorium demolition: This demo marked a crucial milestone in K-State's ongoing commitment to addressing the deferred maintenance backlog and improving the quality of our campus spaces. The natatorium was permanently closed in 2020 due to ventilation and maintenance issues, while the gymnasium classrooms were used for less than 10 hours per week. These buildings received "D" and "F" ratings on the facilities condition index and have an estimated deferred maintenance backlog of $19 million. The total estimated demolition cost was $3.4 million, with partial funding allocated by the Kansas Board of Regents for the gymnasium demolition from the Building Demolition Fund provided by the state. The operational savings will be approximately $300,000 annually. Several components of the gymnasium and natatorium were salvaged, including the gymnasium wood floors, Art Deco exterior components, basketball goals and scoreboards. These salvaged items will be incorporated into future projects. Additionally, the stone masonry from the gymnasium is being carefully reinstalled onto the exterior wall of Ahearn Field House, preserving its historical significance. Following the demolition, the area will be transformed back into green space. The project is scheduled to be finished by fall.
New construction has also begun on campus.
Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation: On May 17, the university broke ground for the new center, featuring retail space, modern milling and baking labs, a pilot plant and shared space for faculty in animal science, food science and grain science to collaborate. The center will allocate 30% of its space for collaboration between public resources and private enterprises. Upon completion, the space will include research, teaching and baking labs, a new dairy bar and merchandising space with indoor and outdoor plaza seating, a new dry processing, wet processing and non-food grade pilot plant, and comfortable studying and integration spaces. The building will have three fully accessible floors with teaching and research spaces, including new next-gen classrooms, as well as new graduate student offices and collaboration spaces. The new building is estimated to be finished in fall 2026 and will connect Weber Hall and Call Hall, which will also undergo renovations.
Weber Arena demolition: The Kansas Board of Regents has approved K-State's plan to demolish parts of Weber Hall, including Weber Arena and an interior demolition of the lecture hall, Weber 123. The arena's demolition began in April and will be complete in fall 2025. A new indoor arena is being constructed on north campus, adjacent to the Stanley Stout Center. The new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will also incorporate an appropriately sized indoor animal demonstration area for teaching, judging and showing livestock.
The interior demolition of Weber Hall Room 123 will start in spring 2025 and be complete by fall 2025. When complete, it will function as a large animal anatomy lab.
Agronomy Research and Innovation Center: The new center, a hub of innovation and learning, is being constructed on the north end of campus at the Agronomy North Farm, opposite Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It will house a visualization lab, innovation labs, workspaces for data analysis, a farm observation deck, three conference rooms and a break room/student gathering area. The new building will be complete and open by spring 2026, marking a significant milestone in our university's growth.